As nominations poured in yesterday at the start of our ‘From M.E. To You’ gifting campaign, Louise Gatfield explained why she has nominated her “wonderful” husband Richard for one of our Christmas hampers.
Lou said Richard, who runs the ‘Rich and Fancy” coffee shop in Horbury, is always by her side whatever struggles she faces while living with M.E.
“I had to give up my career in education when I became poorly. I have visited pain clinics, ME/CFS clinics, endocrinology, physiotherapy, neurology, rheumatology, mental health services, naturopaths, acupuncturists… you name it, I’ve tried it to find a cure. Although some things have helped a bit, I still have ME and I am finally accepting it.”
Louise Gatfield
Lou, who runs a weekly quiz at the coffee shop to raise money for the ME Association, said:
“Richard has been by my side through a rollercoaster of tried treatments and disappointments and he has such patience. Because of his help and support and hard work, he has enabled me to be a good mum and nana to my grandchildren and never criticised the changing me. When things get tough, he always there… a wonderful person.”
Richard also supports Lou with her painting and her art, which helps her with her pain and ability to relax. Lou uses the weekly quiz at ‘Rich and Fancy’ to bring people together, to connect and to make friends. She’s just about to bring in artist/illustrator to deliver some workshops after Christmas in an effort to use art therapy as a tool to help people relax and learn how to take more control over their lives.
Lou said of the ‘From M.E. to You’ card which was sent to all members of the charity recently:
“It’s beautiful and the words mean a lot. Thank you for it and for the wonderful work you do at the ME Association. I wish you all a lovely Christmas too.”
Over the next 6 weeks, we will be making random selections from the people you nominate and sending them hampers crammed with seasonal treats. And, with your permission, featuring some of the stories you have provided.
Please don’t stop making your nominations. We have received over 40 in just 48 hours!
To nominate you must be a member of the ME Association, or nominating someone who is a member. And the person you nominate must live in the UK.
Tony Britton
Senior Fundraising Consultant, The ME Association
tony.britton@meassociation.org.uk Mob: 07393 805566
